“Suchitra Sen was much better at origin”: Wahida Rehman showed 56-year-old ASIT Sen’s ‘silence’- Ananya. Hindi film news
Veteran actress Wahida Rehman looks back at Asit Sen’s poignant psychological drama silence as it completes 56 years after its release. The 1969 film, in which he was painted in one of his most fine performances, continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and persecuting peace. In this clear conversation, Wahidaji shows his memories of working with the film, his inspirations and co-star Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra.
Wahidji, it has been 56 years since your performance was in Asit Sen’s psychological drama silence. How does it feel?
It seems amazing that the film is still remembered a lot after all these years. Silence was a very special project for me.
How did the role come in your way?
Asit Sen was a very talented Bengali director. He contacted me with the offer. The silence was actually a remake of his first Bengali film Davip Jewel Jai, which was released ten years ago. In origin, Suchitra Sen played the role of nurse Radha in a psychiatric hospital – the same role I portrayed in the Hindi version.
How will you compare your performance with Suchitra Sen?
Without honesty, and without any false humility, I would say that Suchitra Sen was much better at the original. I am not saying that I was bad – I think I was quite good – but nothing compared to the original. It often accompanies remakes.
What was like working with Rajesh Khanna?
He was very new at that time, but even then, his talent was clear. He was soft -spoken, very attractive, and a joy to work together. We really worked together again after many years, which is called Makasad in a South Indian film.
Dharmendra was also in Khamoshi, isn’t it?
Yes, Dharmendra was there, but the interesting thing is that his face was never shown in the film. I believe that Asit Sen himself played the role of Dharmendra in Bengali origin.
Do you not think Asit Sen was a high underraged director?
I agree He made a lot of classics in both Bengali and Hindi cinema. I feel proud to be part of one of them.
Asit Sen won the Best Director Award for Safar, the same year the silence was released, and you lost the best actress award to Mutz for Khilona. do you remember that?
I do not remember the award. But I remember that when it was released, the silence was well received. I am very proud of that film.
Do you consider silence in your best tasks?
I do not know about the “best”, but I like my work in love, guide, teeshi swear, silence, Neil Kamal and Reshma and Shera. These films are close to my heart.
